I’m not Player X, insists Cairns

London: Former New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns has issued a statement denying he is “Player X” in match-fixing claims attributed to current Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum, calling such suggestions “a complete lie”.

Maintaining his innocence, Cairns released a statement to Fairfax Media claiming “dark forces” were at work.

The statement read: “I am aware that former cricketer Lou Vincent and current New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum have made a range of allegations against a cricketer dubbed Player X.

“It is well known that the ICC/ACSU has been investigating allegations of corruption and my name has been linked by others to these allegations. I am being asked whether I am Player X.

“Based on the limited information I have received during this investigation, I believe it is being alleged that I am that player. These allegations against me are a complete lie.”

Cairns added that he had repeatedly asked to see ICC transcripts of Vincent and McCullum’s statements.

“They decline to do so but seem happy to leak information to the media which they deny to me,” he said.

“As for Lou Vincent, he appears to have confessed to match-fixing in respect of games played in numerous countries around the world, most of which I have had no connection to. He is in a desperate position.

“As for Brendon McCullum, I have no understanding why he would say the things he is alleged to have said. To be clear, I have never approached Brendon, or anyone else, about match-fixing or any other improper activity.

“I am doing everything I can to get to the bottom of these allegations. I ask that people reserve judgement until all the facts are brought to light.

“I have nothing to hide. I have been to court to demonstrate conclusively that I am not a match-fixer before. I will have no hesitation in doing so again.

“I conclude by saying that I believe there are dark forces at play. These forces have long arms, deep pockets and great influence.”